I had my first ultrasound when I was 6 months pregnant. I had looked forward to this day my whole pregnancy! This was going to be the day I would see my baby! And this would be the day I discovered the sex of my child.

As the sonographer was doing the ultrasound, I noticed him acting strange. I asked him if something was wrong with my baby. He said he couldn't answer that question, that my doctor would have to give me the results. He did tell me that my baby was a boy, and sent me home with photos.

I was a nervous wreck that week-end, as I waited for Monday to roll around. On Monday the phone call came. I was told that my baby had abnormalities to the brain. I fell to my knees and cried.

Right away the doctors began to suggest that I terminate the pregnancy. I was told that my son had hydrocephalus ("water on the brain"), and that he would be retarded. The doctors explained that the best thing for me and my baby would be to terminate the pregnancy.

Terminate? I didn't even realize that an abortion could be performed that late in pregnancy. But the doctors were quick to tell me that in cases like mine, an abortion could still be an option for me. I loved my son with all my heart, and I would continue to love him no matter what condition he was diagnosed with. It bothered me to see doctors want to end my child's life.

I found doctors who supported my desire to carry to term. And from that point on my son's best interest was considered. Treatment options were discussed. And it was agreed that labor would be induced at 32 weeks, and my baby would be shunted. I had to drive 2 hours to the hospital where my son was to be delivered (one of the best hospitals in the world.) I gave birth to an awesome little boy who weighed 4 lbs 9oz.

After he had been examined the Doctors decided that he didn't need to be shunted after all. Now let's fast foward to today....My son Dylan is 9 years old, and he has NO developmental delays. He is a perfectly normal little boy. He does still have "moderate" hydrocephalus, however it has not affected him in any way. A doctor may be able to diagnose a condition, but chances are, he can't tell you for certain how that condition will affect your child.

I know that not all stories turn out like mine. Some children are born with very real medical problems. I would like to encourage women to see that these children are still able to lead happy lives and make an impact on the people around them. There is so much help available, fetal surgery and procedures, financial assistance, and support groups for parents of disabled children.